Melanie Willis

What inspired you to become an educator, and what keeps you inspired?

Being in the education field was never really on my radar until I had children. I have a child with Special Needs and seeing what other schools and centers offered for my child really changed the way I saw education. I believe that education should be much more than just academics. We need to teach our children how to advocate, love, and be well rounded individuals.

If you could summarize your teaching philosophy, what would it be?

We should all help each other to become the best people we can be. Being able to learn from a variety of sources and people, we become well-rounded and engaged in learning.

What skills do you feel are most important for your students to develop, to prepare them for life beyond Friends School?

I think empathy and the ability to work with various types of people help contribute to the wholeness of our students. Our students are some of the most accepting and caring kids that I have seen as they grow.

Tell us about your hobbies and philanthropic interests?

I love to organize and design. I love remodeling projects and seeing things through until completion. I also have a heart for children with Autism. I have a child with Autism and it has definitely given me the drive to advocate for this population of people.